Nassau, State police consider cruiser switch

Habitual speeders who can easily spot the grille of a Ford Crown Victoria or Dodge Charger in their rearview mirrors might have more difficulty, at least at first, identifying one of the newest models being offered for law enforcement: The Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle — a rarity as a cruiser that cannot be purchased in America in civilian version. First deliveries to police begin in the spring.

At least two law enforcement agencies in this region, the New York State Police and the Nassau County Police Department, are considering the Caprice, shown above, for which General Motors will begin taking orders Oct. 4.

GM spokesman Tom Henderson says our troopers attended a recent Michigan event to show off the Caprice. A Nassau County Police spokesman, Det. Sgt. Anthony Repalone, said representatives from that department will look the car over in November.

Most departments now use modified Ford Crown Victorias, production of which is to end next year, potentially leaving a big gap for competitors to fill — unless Ford can persuade customers to opt for a police-modified Taurus, a smaller sedan offered in front- or all-wheel drive, or a modified Explorer SUV. The Charger also is used by some local departments.

Although it bears a familiar Chevrolet name, the Caprice shares nothing with any Chevrolet that Americans can buy now; it is based on a rear-wheel drive design from GM’s Holden subsidiary in Australia. For a time, U.S. consumers did have access to a smaller version of it, sold here as the Pontiac G8. GM is phasing out the Pontiac division.

Although front-wheel drive Chevrolet Impala police cars have become ubiquitous on the streets of New York City and elsewhere — and the NYPD has been experimenting with front-wheel drive Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima hybrids — GM's Henderson notes that police departments traditionally have favored rear-wheel drive cars, in part for their handling characteristics.

GM claimed in a news release earlier this week that the Caprice outperformed the Crown Victoria and Charger in standing start acceleration, panic stops and lap times during testing last week and Monday by the Michigan State Police.

For the technical minded, the Caprice has a 6.0-liter, 355 hp. V-8 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission whose electronics are programmed for maximum performance in pursuit situations.

GM will continue offering the Impala and a version of the Chevrolet Tahoe SUV for police use.